Safety: What to do if you get into trouble

Local police and your travel rep are generally the first port of call if you're mugged or have belongings stolen abroad. In more serious situations a British consul may be able to intervene.

Avoiding trouble

If you're unsure of a country's stability, seek advice before you go. Tour operators should be able to help and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues daily worldwide travel alerts (see www.fco.gov.uk/travel).

• Respect the laws of the country you're visiting
• Don't carry a stranger's parcel or luggage
• Stay clear of drugs - there may be serious recriminations if you're caught with them
• Don't carry expensive gear or jewellery when out
• Keep away from unsafe areas where you could be mugged or attacked
• Only carry as much cash as you are likely to need
• Lock the door and windows of your hotel room at night
• Obey driving laws

British Consulates

Consuls look after the needs of British citizens overseas. If there's no British official at your destination, contact the consul of any other EU country. Contact them if you need to:

• Contact friends or relatives for help
• Get an emergency passport
• Talk to a local lawyer, doctor or interpreter
• Trace a missing person
• Be visited in jail following arrest
• Have up to £100 cashed using a sterling cheque and banker's card
• Talk to local authorities for you
• Report serious crimes such as rape, assault or the murder or death of a travel companion

Consuls cannot help in certain situations, including:

• Getting involved in court cases
• Paying hotel, medical or legal bills
• Freeing you from prison
• Finding accommodation or getting work permits

Insurance claims

Make a note of all valuables you take on holiday and estimate their worth before you travel. Single items are easy to account for but the contents of a lost suitcase may be harder to list.

• Note credit and debit card numbers and hotlines
• Record the serial numbers of traveller's cheques
• Keep receipts of valuables you buy on holiday
• Carry copies of receipts of recently bought items
• If belongings are stolen, get a police statement for your insurance claim

Health problems

Always organise health insurance before you travel, as medical care can be expensive in certain countries. If you're likely to suffer tooth problems, get a policy that covers dental treatment as well.

• Get a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 in 2006, to cover yourself for free or reduced medical care. To get an EHIC go to the Post Office, Department of Health website or call 0845 6050707.
• If you need treatment, take your EHIC and health insurance document with you
• If you have a medical condition, carry some explanatory information
• Know your own and loved ones' blood types if travelling together